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PRODUCT News
52
MODERN MINING
November 2015
The year 2015 marks the 30th anniversary
of Caterpillar’s first backhoe loader and
coincides with the worldwide release of
the latest generation F2 series.
It all began with the roll-out of the
A Series in 1985. The B Series followed in
1989 and built on the solid foundation
established by the first generation models
to firmly entrench the Cat backhoe as a
class leader. The year 1996 saw the launch
of the C Series, followed subsequently by
the D, E, F and now F2, in 2001, 2006, 2012
and 2015 respectively.
Historically, the first exploratory engi
neering drawings for the A Series were put
to paper in 1982, and in 1983 Caterpillar’s
Desford manufacturing plant, situated
near Leicester, England (at the time
responsible for the assembly of forklift
Latest generation Cat backhoe loader released
trucks), was chosen as
the fabrication centre for
the first Cat backhoe.
Caterpillar’s introduc
tory unit, the Cat 416A
(in centre pivot configu
ration), was immediately
recognisable by its
distinctive boom tilt
cylinder design, nar
row loader tower and
divergent loader arms.
L a u n c h e d w i t h a n
operating weight of
approximately 6 087 kg
and a lift capacity (at full
height) of 2 381 kg, the
engine delivered a net flywheel power of
46 kW at 2 400 rpm.
Technological advancements over
time have included the development of
the industry’s first true excavator-style
boom (enabling excellent clearance over
objects), which remains a signature trade
mark of the Cat backhoe. Coupled with
this, production capabilities have been
further enhanced by the development of
a 205 degree rotation bucket linkage: the
high degree of rotation enables deeper
vertical wall excavation, which simplifies
trenching tasks, thus in turn increasing
productivity.
Machines sold into the Southern African
market come equipped with a new gen
eration four-speed manual transmission
(in forward and reverse). The top speed
The Cat 428F2 is powered by a Cat 3054C engine with a net power
rating (ISO 9249) of 64,9 kW.
remains at around 40 km/h.
The F2’s upgraded hydraulics system
provides improvements in oil flow for opti
mum delivery: the 422F2 from 125 litres
per minute (
ℓ
/m) to 132
ℓ
/min; the 428F2
and 434F2 from 125
ℓ
/min to 160
ℓ
/min;
and the 432F2 and 444F2 from 156
ℓ
/min
to 163
ℓ
/min. (The Cat 416F2’s pump capac
ity remains unchanged at 132
ℓ
/min.) All
machines feature Caterpillar’s proprietary
load sensing hydraulics (where the variable
flow system senses the work demand and
adjusts the flow and pressure to match it).
A hydraulic quick coupler for the hoe
is available direct from the factory, whilst
‘twist to disconnect’ couplings are fitted
for all work tools. The previous F Series fea
tures ‘push to connect’ quick disconnect
couplings.
F2 models feature a restyled cab for
a more modern look, which has been
designed throughout with the operator
in mind, including enhanced visibility to
the loader attachment when at full height.
Sound levels in the cab are now said to be
best-in-class at 74 dB.
As an option, F2-Series units can be
fitted with a radio featuring blue-tooth
connectivity, facilitating communication
with job-site personnel. A new keypad
security system (with up to 25 unique
codes) provides added protection for the
machine, and a choice of cellular or satel
lite technology is available for use with the
ProductLink™ telematics system.
Barloworld Equipment, tel (+27 11) 929-0000
Compact ‘workhorse’ introduced by Goscor Hi-Reach
Goscor Hi-Reach has extended the Genie
boom lift family with the introduction of
the Genie SX-150, a compact ‘workhorse’
that is said to offer excellent stability and
an impressive working height of 48 m.
“This remarkable new machine, which
follows on from its big brother, the 57 m
SX-180, is a welcome addition to the fam
ily as it conveniently addresses a working
height gap between the current 40 m and
57 m telescopic boom offering,”says Goscor
Hi-Reach MD George Landsberg.
According to the company, 15 years of
experience in large boom development is
built into the DNA of the Genie SX-150.
Highlighting the machine’s outstanding
stability, Landsberg says the SX-150 is built
onGenie’s pioneering and proven XChassis™
design, a technological breakthrough that
positions the range in a league of its own.
“Add to this a horizontal outreach of up
to 24,38 m, as well as an industry-leading
capacity through its full working envelope,
and the result is a boom lift that delivers
unequalled versatility and productivity. For
our customers and end-users, these features
importantly signify profitability and a rapid
return on investment.”
The machine has four pre-programma
ble platform heights (46 m, 41,2 m, 36,6 m
and 30,5 m).
“Goscor Access Rental has already pur
chased some of these machines with the
first one starting work in Kwazulu-Natal and
the second arrival going to the Gauteng
region,” states Goscor Access Rental MD
Dean Jones, who adds that “the machines
have immediately proven to be an instant
hit with our rental customers.”
The compact footprint, which is claimed
to be unique for a machine in this cat
egory, a minimal tail swing of 1,06 m and
unrestricted 340 kg capacity across its full
working envelope, make the SX-150 in
many cases a convenient and cost-effective
alternative to truck-mounted booms.
The Genie SX-150 boom lift features
the company’s factory-installed, state-
of-the-art telematics-ready connector as
well as a Trackunit® Track and Trace Fleet
Management Module from Trackunit
Telematics as standard.
Goscor Hi-Reach, tel (+27 11) 908-4881